2009 YAMAHA VMAX check engine

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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mobilizer system circuits, the immobi-
lizer system indicator light flashes and
the display indicates a two-digit error
code.
TIP

If the display indicates error code 52,
this could be caused by transponder in-
terference. If this error code appears,
try the following.
1. Use the code re-registering key to
start the engine.
TIP

Make sure there are no other immobi-
lizer keys close to the main switch, and
do not keep more than one immobilizer
key on the same key ring! Immobilizer
system keys may cause signal interfer-
ence, which may prevent the engine
from starting.
2. If the engine starts, turn it off and
try starting the engine with the
standard keys.
3. If one or both of the standard keys
do not start the engine, take the
vehicle, the code re-registering
key and both standard keys to a
Yamaha dealer and have the stan-dard keys re-registered.
If the display indicates any error codes,
note the code number, and then have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
EAU12331
Anti-theft alarm (optional)
This model can be equipped with an
optional anti-theft alarm by a Yamaha
dealer. Contact a Yamaha dealer for
more information.

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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EAU15301
Sidestand
The sidestand is located on the left side
of the frame. Raise the sidestand or
lower it with your foot while holding the
vehicle upright.
TIP

The built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system, which
cuts the ignition in certain situations.
(See further down for an explanation of
the ignition circuit cut-off system.)
WARNING

EWA10240
The vehicle must not be ridden with
the sidestand down, or if the side-
stand cannot be properly moved up
(or does not stay up), otherwise the
sidestand could contact the ground
and distract the operator, resulting
in a possible loss of control.
Yamaha’s ignition circuit cut-off
system has been designed to assist
the operator in fulfilling the respon-
sibility of raising the sidestand be-
fore starting off. Therefore, check
this system regularly as described
below and have a Yamaha dealer re-pair it if it does not function proper-
ly.
EAU44892
Ignition circuit cut-off system
The ignition circuit cut-off system (com-
prising the sidestand switch, clutch
switch and neutral switch) has the fol-
lowing functions.

It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the side-
stand is up, but the clutch lever is
not pulled.

It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the clutch le-
ver is pulled, but the sidestand is
still down.

It cuts the running engine when the
transmission is in gear and the sid-
estand is moved down.
Periodically check the operation of the
ignition circuit cut-off system according
to the following procedure.

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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With the engine turned off:
1. Move the sidestand down.
2. Make sure that the engine stop switch is set to “
3. Turn the key on.
4. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
With the engine still running:
6. Move the sidestand up.
7. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
8. Shift the transmission into gear.
9. Move the sidestand down.
Does the engine stall?
After the engine has stalled:
10. Move the sidestand up.
11. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
12. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The system is OK. The motorcycle can be ridden.The neutral switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The sidestand switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The clutch switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
YES NO YES NO YES NO
If a malfunction is noted, have a Yamaha
dealer check the system before riding.
WARNING
”.

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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EAU15596
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING

EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.
Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel

Check fuel level in fuel tank.

Refuel if necessary.

Check fuel line for leakage.3-20
Engine oil

Check oil level in engine.

If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.

Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-9
Final gear oil

Check vehicle for oil leakage. 6-12
Coolant

Check coolant level in reservoir.

If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.

Check cooling system for leakage.6-14
Front brake

Check operation.

If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.

Check brake pads for wear.

Replace if necessary.

Check fluid level in reservoir.

If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.

Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-22, 6-23

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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light circuit check.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.The neutral indicator
light should come on. If not, ask a
Yamaha dealer to check the elec-
trical circuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.
NOTICE:
For maxi-
mum engine life, never acceler-
ate hard when the engine is
cold!

[ECA11041]

If the engine fails to start, release
the start switch, wait a few sec-
onds, and then try again. Each
starting attempt should be as short
as possible to preserve the bat-
tery. Do not crank the engine more
than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt.
EAU16671
Shifting
Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.
TIP

To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it.
NOTICE

ECA10260

Even with the transmission inthe neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.

Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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EAU16841
Engine break-in
There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1600 km (1000 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1600 km (1000 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided.
EAU17122
0–1000 km (0–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above
4700 r/min.
NOTICE:
After 1000 km
(600 mi) of operation, the engine oil
and final gear oil must be changed,
and the oil filter cartridge or ele-
ment replaced.

[ECA10332]

1000–1600 km (600–1000 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above7000 r/min.
1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.
NOTICE

ECA10310

Keep the engine speed out of
the tachometer red zone.

If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-
cle.
EAU17213
Parking
When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING

EWA10311

Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them and be burned.

Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehicle
may overturn, increasing the
risk of a fuel leak and fire.

Do not park near grass or other
flammable materials which
might catch fire.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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*
Shock absorber
assembly

Check operation and shock
absorber for oil leakage.
√√√√
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*
Rear suspension
relay arm and con-
necting arm pivoting
points

Check operation.
√√√√
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*
Fuel injection sys-
tem

Adjust synchronization.
√√√√√
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Engine oil

Change.

Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.
√√√√√√
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Engine oil filter car-
tridge

Replace.
√√√
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*
Cooling system

Check coolant level and vehicle
for coolant leakage.
√√√√√

Change. Every 3 years
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Final gear oil

Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.
√√ √

Change.
√√√
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*
Front and rear brake
switches

Check operation.
√√√√√√
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Moving parts and
cables

Lubricate.
√√√√√
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Throttle grip hous-
ing and cable

Check operation and free play.

Adjust the throttle cable free play
if necessary.

Lubricate the throttle grip housing
and cable.
√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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9Panel C
To remove the panel
1. Remove the bolt.
2. Pull the panel upward.
To install the panelPlace the panel in the original position,
and then install the bolt.

EAU46680
Checking the spark plugs
The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and replaced if
out of specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
1. Panel C
2. Bolt
1 2

Specified spark plug:
NGK/CR9EIA
DENSO/IU27D
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)
1